Eurostat: 2,050 Albanians returned from EU countries in the first quarter of 2026

During the first three months of 2026, more than 2,000 Albanian citizens returned from European Union countries. The figures published by Eurostat place Albania third among countries of origin for the number of returned persons, after Turkey and Georgia.

The report shows that in the first quarter of the year, 108,475 citizens from countries outside the European Union were ordered to leave the territory of a member state. Of these, 34,550 people returned to their countries of origin following the enforcement of the orders.

Compared with the same period in 2025, departure orders fell by 12.8%, while the number of returns increased by 8.1%.

As for those who received orders to leave EU territory, Algerian citizens top the list with 11,105 cases. They are followed by Moroccans with 6,435 and Syrians with 5,335.

For returns to countries of origin, Turkish citizens rank first with 3,555 people, followed by Georgians with 2,060 and Albanians with 2,050.

According to Eurostat data, Albanians account for 5.9% of the total number of people returned from the European Union during this period. Compared with the fourth quarter of 2025, the number of returned Albanians increased by 4.6%.

Among member states, Germany recorded the highest number of returns to third countries, with 7,300 people. It was followed by France with 3,775 and Poland with 2,660.

The report also underlines that 59.6% of returns from the European Union were carried out voluntarily, while 40.4% were forced returns.